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The Role of Firefighters in a Community

Firefighters are known as the first responders in emergency situations, whether it is fighting fires, assisting in search and rescue operations, or helping in accidents. Their scope of work stretches far and wide as they respond to medical emergencies, play an essential role during catastrophes, and provide public safety.
To become a firefighter, interested candidates are required to undergo training from a fire academy or vocational school. Every state has its own requirements and qualifications criteria for recruiting firefighters. Not all states have equal growth potential in the field and if you want to know which state is the easiest and best to become a firefighter then continue reading.

Top States in The Country for Firefighter Jobs

Texas

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021, Texas is the number state in terms of employment. O*Net Online has predicted a 14% increase in job growth for firefighters between 2020-2030 in Texas, along with projected annual job openings being 2,290 for the same time period. Below is the information available on Texas and opportunities for firefighters.

StateEmploymentHourly Mean WageAnnual Mean Wage
Texas29,530$ 25.63$ 53,310

With the information provided by US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021, two cities in Texas – Houston and Dallas are among the top 10 metropolitan areas with the highest employment level for firefighters.

Metropolitan areaEmploymentEmployment Per Thousand JobsLocation QuotientHourly Mean WageAnnual Mean Wage
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX7,9102.200.98$ 28.31$ 58,870

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

California

With 27,730 employments recorded in 2021 as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, California ranks at number two in terms of employment level. Similarly, O*Net Online has projected 4% job growth for firefighters between 2020-2030 in the state of California. It has also projected recruitment of 28,300 firefighters by 2030, along with 2,160 job openings between 2020-2030. Below is the information available on California and opportunities for firefighters.

StateEmploymentHourly Mean WageAnnual Mean Wage
California27,730$ 38.94$ 80,990
Metropolitan areaEmploymentEmployment Per Thousand JobsLocation QuotientHourly Mean WageAnnual Mean Wage
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA6,7601.180.52$ 44.07$ 91,660

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

Highest Paying States for Firefighters:

Washington$ 76,280

StateAnnual Mean Wage
New Jersey$ 84,930
California$ 80,990
New York$ 72,670
Colorado$ 68,300